The Wireless USB promoter group on Monday announced that they are developing the Wireless USB 1.1 specification. Based n the already finalized Wireless USB 1.0 spec, advancements include new options for first-time association of devices, improved power efficiency, and support for UWB frequencies above 6GHz.

 “The Wireless USB 1.1 Specification builds on the key features – speed, ease of use, and security – that have made the 1.0 specification so successful. The Wireless USB Promoter Group will define new features that make a great specification even better to improve product offerings for manufacturers and ultimately enhance the end-user experience,” said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF president.

Among the features of the WUSB 1.1 is a new method for first-time device association – the process to securely connect hosts and devices. Wireless USB 1.1 will support the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, which is a proximity-based approach that allows users to easily introduce devices to their PCs through touch-and-go action. The Wireless USB 1.1 specification will also include updates to enhance power efficiency for better battery life, as well as add UWB upper band support for frequencies 6GHz and above.

The Wireless USB 1.1 Specification will be finalized in the first half of 2008. However, it is unclear when either WUSB 1.0- or WUSB 1.1-enabled reach the mass market.

Wireless USB is a wireless personal interconnect technology combining the speed and security of wired high-speed USB with the ease-of-use-of wireless technology. It is backward compatible with wired USB, allows users to connect up to 127 devices and currently delivers a bandwidth of up to 480Mb/s at 3 meters and 110Mb/s at 10 meters. Wireless USB is based on the WiMedia Alliance Ultra-wideband Common Radio Platform (UWB).

The Wireless USB promoter group consists of seven companies: HP, Intel Corp., LSI Logic, Microsoft Corp., NEC Corp., NXP Semiconductors and Samsung Electronics.